The goal of Cal Teach is to increase the number and retention of new, highly qualified science and mathematics teachers in high-need California public schools. A sequence of three school-based K-12 internships and accompanying UCSC seminars are central to the Cal Teach program and are designed to foster undergraduates’ interest in and successful preparation for teaching careers. Cal Teach also provides academic and career advising, enrichment opportunities, and financial support for prospective and novice science or math teachers who have completed at least one Cal Teach internship. Cal Teach participants go on to a variety of careers in which they apply the skills and knowledge gained: teaching at all levels (K-12, community college, university, and informal education) and working in a wide array of science and technical fields.
The most common way teachers become licensed in California is through a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program.* At UCSC, the Science Education B.S. major, Mathematics Education B.A. major, and the STEM Education minor are explicitly designed to prepare students for success in a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program. However, prospective science or math teachers can complete an undergraduate degree in any STEM field prior to enrolling in a teacher preparation program.
UCSC’s Cal Teach program serves UCSC undergraduates and prospective transfer students from regional community colleges. Students who are planning to complete an undergraduate major in science, mathematics, or engineering are eligible to participate. These students may begin their Cal Teach involvement any undergraduate year. Also, college graduates with academic or professional training in science, mathematics, or engineering may enroll through UCSC Extension. Check out our informational brochure.
- Contact Cal Teach: calteach@ucsc.edu
- Director: Gretchen Andreasen, gha@ucsc.edu
- Intern Coordinator: Emily Maddox, emaddox@ucc.edu